TheDominoKid

Hello all and thanks for checking this out... I need some quick advice. I'm looking for an entry level road bike for commuting (roughly 5-8 miles a day) and I would also use it for running light errands around the city and exercise.

As of right now I have a '99 Fuji Team that's just on her last legs. It's just not worth it to throw the money into her. So the hunt for a new bike has begun. I would like to stay under $600 but I am willing to venture a bit outside of that. I also don't mind slowly upgrading said bicycle...

I did find this on the ol' Craigslist:

2000 Cannondale R500 road race bike 56cm

Thoughts? Good deal? Too old? Something better out there?

Also, I know a 56cm will fit me fine. I've rode 56cm Cannondales at my LBS.

Thanks again!

rms13

I wouldn't pay more than $300. DC is a hot market and I think Cannondales are especially popular there so $300 might not get it done but that's the highest I would pay. Older, alum. fork, 7 speed. I think you can do better for $450. Also I would still be concerned about locking it up where you live, just being Cannondale might attract thieves

superslomo

The 'dale might be just a touch harsh for banging around town in street clothes, I think the R-bikes are usually relatively aggressive and pretty stiff...

TheDominoKid

Thanks for the advice. I might shoot him an offer and I'm actually in Baltimore and I haven't seen too much in the way decent used bikes. As for the locking up, it'll come in the office with me and stay inside at the house. I usually try not to leave my bike outside on it's own for very long.

Thanks again!

TheDominoKid

Are you saying the ride would be bumpier/rougher because of crappy streets?

seymour1910

Is this one your size? Even if the price were lower are you a 56?

nevermind, I see where you said you are a 56. I will look and see what i can find. there is a nice deal on a Raleigh in B'more but it's a 54.

I don't know what you max budget is but you said you could stretch a little. This guy has the bike listed as a 2014, and it's really a 2013. see if you can haggle him down to $800-$850 and get this. It's a great bike and no needs for upgrades.

https://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/4622505386.html

TheDominoKid

That is a beauty! Might be a tad out of budget range...sucks.

rms13

Honestly, there is an LBS by me selling that model new for $1199 right now on clearance. I would not spend that much on a used one

seymour1910

I wasn't suggesting paying a grand for it, so rms13 is right. It's a 2013, which is now two generations old. It has some dings as well. He said 1k OBO. Your offer can be $700, all he can say is no. It's worth a shot, the guy could be strapped for cash and need to sell bad.

TheDominoKid

True. I guess it doesn't hurt to make an offer.

Lazyass

The seller is wrong. That is not a 2000, it's a 1995 model. The r500 wasn't even produced in '00. Scroll down to page 45 of the catalog:

https://www.vintagecannondale.com/year/1995/1995.pdf

TheDominoKid

By God, I think you're right! So definitely not worth the $450...

Lazyass

Might be worth it to the vintage guys. I personally don't like the early Cannondale frames. For $450 you should look at something like this:

Felt F75 56cm

TheDominoKid

I just emailed that guy like 5 minutes ago to see if it was still around.

RoadGuy

What do you mean by your bike is on it's last legs?

According to Bikepedia, the 1999 Fuji Team was spec'cd with better components *Ultegra STI) than the Cannondales (the R500 you are looking at is RX100) that you are looking at.

The Cannondale R Series bikes are stiffer, and will beat you up more when commuting than the Fuji you already have.

If you are willing to spend that much on another bike, why not use some of that money, do the overdue maintenance to your Fuji, and pocket the rest? You can even get a triple crank (and a new FD) along with new brifters, if you are looking to try a triple crank. Then you can sell off the Ultegra double crank and shifters (your old 9-speed Ultegra cranks and shifters will sell without any problem on eBay for decent money) after you have a chance to ride the triple, and decide whether you like it.

TheDominoKid

I got the bike for free from a buddy. He was the second owner and the bike has been in a few wrecks. The frame is generally beat up and it appears to be showing the signs of a stress fracture above the bottom bracket...

TheDominoKid

I've had the Fuji for maybe 8 months and it had just been tuned up when I acquired it... It was a test to see if I would prefer the road bike experience instead of commuting on a hybrid.

Bluechip

I don't know if it's been said yet but that bike is older than 2000. It's either a 3.0 or a 2.8 from the late 80's to mid 90's. I've got a 3.0 and its a great bike but a little harsh by todays standard. $300 if it's in great shape would be the most I would pay.

TheDominoKid

Thanks! I think we pegged it at a '95.

Phantoj

and this one ISN'T in great shape. I'd be thinking $200 or so.

Bluechip

After looking closely it's a 93 3.0 r500. In it's condition and components I wouldn't pay more than $200.

TheDominoKid

I think I'm moving along from that bike... Might check this one out:

Felt F75 56cm

Plus, I still want to check out the LBS for their end of summer sales.

Bluechip

That one is definitely a better value being much newer and having more modern components, but I don't know anything about Felts. Always offer less than asking though, you never know.

Lazyass

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cderalow

Try mt airy bike in mt airy. They might be able to help you out